They say the squeaking wheel gets the grease, so I think it is high time the citizens of Crestview and the north end of the county start squeaking and calling their commissioners about the north end’s road conditions. 

I am all for a 3- to 5-cent gas tax if all proceeds go toward fixing roads, mostly in the north end. This is the only way— and probably the fairest way— to get the work done.

P.J. Adams and Antioch roads, among the heaviest traveled roads in the county, have not been resurfaced for over 20 years.  There are patches on top of patches, and this cannot continue for another 15 years as the traffic gets heavier and heavier. 

New subdivisions along Old Bethel Road and near Baker have caused a large increase in traffic.

We have dirt roads leading to new schools, schools with no sidewalks, subdivisions with no sidewalks, and a city with few sidewalks. Every new subdivison should be required to have sidewalks on every street. 

There are roads around the airport that require attention if we ever want to make that area a first class airport and industrial park.

We have two county commissioners in the north end, Mr. Wayne Harris and Mr. Nathan Boyles — both fine, hard working gentlemen.  Let them know your concerns, give them your suggestions for improving the north end’s road conditions.

Don't just sit there and complain; that doesn't accomplish anything. 

Citizens of Crestview should contact their city council members and pass suggestions and recommendations to them. And stay on them.

It is the only way work will be accomplished. Just remember the squeaking wheel — or in our case, the squeaking “hub.”

What's your view? Email news@crestviewbulletin.com with the subject "Letter." Letters must be 250 words or less and written on local issues.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Speak to officials about road conditions

Hopefully, when folks have to face losing a loved one, they will be as blessed as I have been with positive experiences.

Perhaps then, they will understand why serving as a hospice volunteer speaks with the volume turned loud.

Volunteers can assist with shopping or household maintenance, or allow family caregivers the opportunity to take care of necessary errands and get time away from the house. Family members appreciate a visit from a compassionate friend who understands what they are going through.

Volunteering can include visiting, reading, taking walks, writing letters, bringing in music, supervising visits with pets, or just listening to a loved one as they work through their life’s hardest journey.

Hospice volunteers can work closely with the hospice’s professional bereavement staff in duties that range from assisting as a support group facilitator to serving refreshments and helping with mailings to clients and families.

With both of my parents, when they exhaled their last breaths, I stood by their sides, holding their hands and praying for their safe passage from this world. I am very proud that my family allowed our parents to die with dignity and respect. It was the very least we could do for the people who gave us life.

This is why people volunteer with a hospice.

If I can make one moment more pleasant, or if I can help bring an atmosphere of dignity to dying, then I have been blessed to travel along one of life’s universal journeys.

TO JOIN

Call 689-0300 or 902-1632 if you want to join Emerald Coast Hospice’s volunteer staff.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Blessed to volunteer for hospice

Often, when we talk about the Crestview Community Emergency Response Team, most individuals focus on the physically demanding tasks CERT members receive training on: light search and rescue, triage and first aid.

What many people don’t realize is the vast number of skills needed to make CERT successful. Skills are needed to build and maintain our team so members can respond at a moment’s notice, provide logistical support during incidents and fulfill various support functions when working with the Crestview Fire Department.

We are working toward establishing our team as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, a process none of our current team members is versed in. We are frequently engaged in outreach, addressing various groups, organizations and the general public on issues of preparedness and its importance.

In the event of a disaster, individuals are needed to track teams and their progress; keep track of patients from arrival at triage to dispatch at medical facilities; perform communications tasks at the Crestview Emergency Operation Center, or EOC, and potentially the Okaloosa EOC.

In conjunction with the Crestview Fire Department, our team is developing a training plan for large incidents and disasters — performing firefighter rehabilitation, and periodically assisting with communications in the Crestview EOC. Training for these tasks and most other training will be provided at no cost to CERT members.

Many of the tasks don’t require a high level of physical fitness. They require an enthusiasm to assist the team in the day-to-day business of CERT; the desire to learn; a desire to assist the community in a time of need; and a willingness to work together as a team to accomplish potentially difficult tasks. CERT needs members who possess various skills, strengths and capabilities.

Individuals, whether young or mature, can be a valued member of the team.

CERT meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of the month at Crestview Fire Station 1, 321 W. Woodruff Ave., in the upstairs training room. All interested individuals are welcome. If you have questions, email us at crestviewcert@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: CERT can use people of many capabilities

In regards to the article titled, "Crestview leaders eye regulating mobile vendors, garage sales” (April 20): I understand the need for some regulation concerning roadside vendors, but to enforce the same "law" on Crestview homeowners is preposterous. 

Will that truly help Crestview or just add more money to the city's coffers at their expense?  Put it to a vote!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Set referendum on garage sales

I work at Riverside Elementary. I have been trying for a while to start a garden for the school. After looking in different areas, I spoke to the manager at Lowe’s in Crestview. He decided to take this on as a project and Lowe’s has decided to donate for the whole project. 

I'm super excited and think this is going to be very educational for our children. I'm very grateful to Lowe’s.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Riverside staffer grateful for store’s support

After reading about the family that made their young disrespectful daughter stand with that sign on a street corner, I say “bravo” to those parents. They should stop worrying about what someone else says.

She is their daughter, not someone else's, and what the public thinks should be of no concern to you.

This is exactly what is wrong with the rest of the country today. Our children have no respect for anything, including their parents.

Good luck to you, the parents.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Good luck to Crestview parents

Living in Countryview for the better part of 20 years, I want better representation for my neighborhood.

Countryview has to have become a sizeable tax base for the city of Crestview. We deserve sidewalks out here. This neighborhood has outgrown its one-time small community charm.

Now, when my family takes walks in Countryview, we do so at our peril. I've been required, several times, to jump out of the way of speeders driving too close to me (when) walking alongside the street.

Sidewalks would provide appropriate safety to walking families out here. During my daily walks, I've noticed the deterioration of Northview Drive and Villacrest Drive. The streets are crumbling alongside the edges. This does not give me the feeling that Crestview is overly concerned about us.

I've noticed our neighbor to the south building sidewalks alongside College Boulevard out in the country, providing a safe walking area. Crestview can provide dog parks, and an excellent walking area in the northern part of our city.

I want better representation for Countryview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Countryview Estates needs representation

I would like to commend all candidates in the municipal election this year. The Kiwanis Club of Crestview invited all of the candidates to attend a meeting for us to meet them. All but one candidate attended.

I also attended the forum at Warrior's Hall put on by the Chamber of Commerce. At both of these events, all candidates expressed their thoughts of the present and future of Crestview.

Never was one negative towards their opponents. All were courteous towards people asking questions.

As soon as the election was over, I saw all candidates on the road picking up signs. As of this writing, very few signs do I see along the road.

I believe Crestview is very fortunate to have people willing to spend the time and effort to run for positions in city government, keep their positions positive and not attack other candidates.

Now if we can get the residents to participate in the election process, the effort would be complete.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: cheers to candidates, active voters needed

Does the city government actually live in this city?

They seem to have a hard time figuring out the problems in Crestview and they seem like chickens running around with their heads cut off.

I haven't heard a word about fixing the traffic issues on State Road 85. This road is a deathtrap. There is a wreck two to three times a week on this route.

Something needs to be done, be it speed traps or removing some of the lights to allow the traffic to flow more naturally. It is unbearable to come into Crestview Monday through Friday between 4 and 6 p.m.

With the size of the traffic backup, you would think Crestview is as busy as Los Angeles.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: S.R. 85 is a ‘deathtrap’

Southbound traffic on Ferdon Boulevard gets bogged down many times when vehicles are turning left onto John King Road because the left-turn green arrow doesn't stay on long enough to allow all the vehicles to make the turn. (Usually only about five vehicles can make their left turn before the green turn arrow turns off.) 

Most all the other traffic lights in Crestview appear to have sensors that detect moving vehicles that are turning left, allowing the green turn arrow to stay on until all the vehicles have cleared out of the left turn lane. 

Who is in charge of traffic control in Crestview?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Ferdon Blvd. traffic light needs improvement